Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starship Test Faces Booster Catch Glitch During Trump Visit

SpaceX has conducted another aspiring test of its Starship rocket system in Boca, Texas, China, in the presence of recent President-elect Donald Trump. This launch showcased the power of a 400-foot (122m) starship that was created to carry astronauts to Mars and the moon. Despite that, the reusable booster is a vital feature of the rocket that has failed to return to its launchpad as per plan. It splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico.

Unexpected Booster Splashdown

The test aimed to demonstrate SpaceX’s groundbreaking technology, including its “chopsticks” system, designed to catch the booster in mid-air. Four minutes into the flight, the catch attempt was canceled due to unmet criteria, with the booster hitting the water three minutes later. The company has not disclosed the exact issue but emphasized the importance of iterative testing.

Starship’s Belly Flop Success

Despite the setback, the second stage of the Starship made progress. It splashed down in the Indian Ocean, off northern Australia, after performing a controlled “belly flop” descent and engine flip. These maneuvers are crucial for future missions aiming to reuse the spacecraft.

Strengthening Musk-Trump Alliance

Trump’s attendance highlights the growing connections with Elon Must, whose companies, SpaceX and Tesla, could benefit from government support under the new leadership.  Musk has also been appointed as co-leader of a government efficiency project, signaling potential collaborations. 

Steps Toward Lunar and Mars Missions

The launch has marked the 6th test of the world’s most powerful rocket. SpaceX and NASA are primarily focused on advancing the technology for returning astronauts to the moon and Mars. Elon Musk’s vision to reduce space exploration expenditures relies on reusing rockets. While the booster catch was a “no-go,” the tester gave them important lessons, keeping the SpaceX in

The launch marked the sixth test of the world’s most powerful rocket. SpaceX and NASA are focused on advancing technology to return astronauts to the moon and, eventually, Mars. Full reusability remains a cornerstone of Musk’s vision to reduce space exploration costs. While the booster catch was a “no-go,” the test provided valuable insights, keeping SpaceX on its ambitious path to revolutionize space travel.

More Suggestions:

Trump’s Sentencing in 3 Weeks | Legal Experts Predict Further Delays

Mark Your Calendar and Get Ready – FinTech LIVE Dubai 2025 is Coming